Doctoral Position in Design Research 80%

Perfectly placed for education that inspires.

The Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art is a creative space for people wishing to move the world. For more than 140 years, it has been an inspiring environment and place of encounter for lecturers, researchers, staff, and students who share a culture of openness that is mirrored by the stimulating, light-flooded workspaces at Lucerne-Emmenbrücke. High-profile teams and extensive international networks offer varied development opportunities.

This PhD position is part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) project:
Accelerating the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Swiss design education. The project explores how Swiss design programmes support their local communities and investigates design education's potential to accelerate sustainable transitions.

Tasks and job requirements

• Develop and pursue an independent PhD project related to this SNF project aimed at advancing sustainable design practices.
• Collaborate on the project research activities, contributing to qualitative data collection (cultural probes, scenario mapping, interviews) and qualitative data analysis.
• Co-lead work packages and assist in organizing workshops, conferences, and dissemination activities.

Your profile

The position is ideal for a highly motivated researcher with a strong interest in sustainable design. Candidates should have:

• A Master's degree in design, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Strong organizational skills, able to manage multiple research tasks across different work packages.
• Experience in qualitative research, particularly participatory action research and design research methodologies (avoid prescriptive, linear, or overly simplified frameworks that attempt to break down complex systems into manageable parts, as they fail to capture interdependencies and emergent patterns).
• A collaborative and interdisciplinary research mindset.
• Analytical and synthesis skills, capable of recognizing data patterns and translating findings into understanding.
• Commitment to sustainability, with a strong interest in design education's role in advancing sustainable development.

Our offer to you

• PhD research in a structured but flexible environment: Work within the SNF project while pursuing an independent PhD.
• Academic autonomy: The candidate selects their supervisor and enrolls in a doctoral program at a university of their choice, with co-supervision by Prof. Dr. Guillermina Noël at HSLU.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Engage with research teams, Design Action Labs, workshops, conferences, and a broader community of practice.
• Impact-driven research: The project connects academia, design schools, and local communities and organizations.
• Engage in training sessions to further develop research skills and methodologies relevant to both the project's goals and personal development.
• Primary location: Competence Centre Design & Management, HSLU Emmenbrücke, Lucerne.
• Employment rate: 80% (Doctoral Position)
• Duration: 4 years (in line with PhD requirements)
• Salary: Based on SNF doctoral funding rates approx. CH 50'790/year.

• A 1-page maximun letter of motivation outlining their motivation and fit for the position.
• A 1-page research proposal outlining a research strategy to engage public authorities, academia, industry and citizens to advance the SDG's.
• A CV, including relevant research experience and background

Location

Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art
745 Viscosistadt
Nylsuisseplatz 1
6020 Lucerne – Emmenbrücke

Inquiries

Prof. Dr. Guillermina Noël
Leiterin Design Management, International BA
Write an email